Pre-Physical Therapy

Learn More!

Debilitating illnesses and accidents can stop those who suffer them from being able
to engage in even the simplest of tasks. Finding oneself suddenly unable to work,
walk, or even eat without assistance can be as devastating as the cause for the condition
itself. Conversely, the regaining of physical abilities once taken for granted can
be the turning point in a recovery. The physical therapist often spearheads this effort
as coach, cheerleader, and guide on the path to greater health.

What we're doing

The value of shadowing

All of MTSU's Health Science Pre-Professional Programs require a good amount of shadowing—of
following and observing professionals in the field as they go through the daily routine.
For many students, this requirement is also the experience that cements their determination
to pursue their career of choice. Shadowing allows beginners to see, smell, hear,
and feel what happens during a day on the job.

Be Pre-pared

Pre-Scripts is a pre-professional organization for students pursuing careers in the
health sciences. The organization brings in local pharmacists, physicians, physical
therapists, and other health care professionals, as well as representatives of schools
and the armed services, to provide students firsthand insights into the different
health science careers and valuable information about applying for health professional
schools and programs. Pre-Scripts in also involved in community service projects and
organizes trips to professional schools. (The organization meets on the second and
fourth Wednesday of each month.)

Related Media

MTSU True Blue Preview: Pre-Professional Programs

2018 MTSU Campus Tour

Career Starters

MTSU offers a variety of Pre-Professional Health Science tracks to help put students
on a path to a rewarding career.

Pre-Chiropractic

Pre-Cytotechnology

Pre-Dental Hygiene

Pre-Dentistry

Pre-Diagnostic Medical Sonography

Pre-Health Information Management

Pre-Medical Technology

Pre-Medicine

Pre-Nuclear Medicine Technology

Pre-Occupational Therapy

Pre-Pharmacy

Pre-Physical Therapy

Pre-Radiation Therapy Technology

Pre-Professional students have gone on to programs at

Auburn University

Austin Peay State University

Belmont

Creighton University

DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine

East Tennessee State University

Logan University

Medical College of Georgia

St. Louis University

Samford University

Southern College of Optometry

South University

University of Alabama at Birmingham

University of Health Sciences Antigua

University of Louisville

University of Tennessee

Vanderbilt University Medical Center

Western Kentucky University

Students in the Pre-Physical Therapy program will need to obtain a Bachelor of Science
(B.S.) degree to apply to most schools of physical therapy.

For complete curriculum details, click on the REQUIREMENTS tab above.

Science, Allied Health Science Concentration, B.S.

The Allied Health Science concentration is designed for students who expect to enter a professional school for cytotechnology, chiropractic medicine, pharmacy, or medical laboratory science. It may also be used for students interested in dentistry, medicine, occupational therapy, or physical therapy. However, students interested in these areas should speak to their advisors about other major options.

For some programs, this concentration leads to an MTSU degree through completion of at least 90 credit hours at MTSU, acceptance into a professional school, and either successful completion of one year or completion of the professional program (3+1). A four-year option is available and encouraged for students considering certain programs. For students completing a 3+1 program, a minimum of 21 semester hours of junior and senior (3000- 4000 level) courses must be completed at MTSU. Students choosing a four-year option must complete at least 42 credit hours of junior and senior (3000-4000 level) courses with an average grade of C (2.00 GPA) or better. A minimum of 30 credit hours of junior and senior (3000-4000 level) courses must be completed through MTSU.

Admission to the MTSU pre-professional program does not assure admission to a professional program. Selection for admission is competitive and is made by the admissions committee of the respective program according to its selection standards.

CHEM 3021 - Organic Chemistry II Lab

BIOL 1110 - General Biology I

4 credit hours

Prerequisite: MATH 1710 with C- or better of MATH ACT of 19 or higher. Corequisite: BIOL 1111. Primarily for Biology majors and minors and other science-oriented students. Biological principles and processes, including introduction to the nature of science, cells (structure, function, metabolism, division), genetics, evolution, viruses, bacteria, protists, and fungi. Three hours lecture and one three-hour laboratory. While BIOL 1110 can be used to fulfill half the 8-hour General Education requirement for Natural Sciences, it is the first semester of a two-semester sequence primarily designed for science majors. TBR Common Course: BIOL 1110

BIOL 1121 - General Biology II Lab

BIOL 2230 - Microbiology

4 credit hours

Prerequisites: BIOL 1110/BIOL 1111 and BIOL 1120/BIOL 1121 or BIOL 2010/BIOL 2011 and BIOL 2020/BIOL 2021. Concepts and techniques pertaining to the morphology, physiology, reproduction, isolation, cultivation and identification of microorganisms with particular emphasis on bacteria. Topics include the impact of microorganisms in our daily lives, both adverse and beneficial. Background in General Chemistry is strongly recommended. Three hours lecture and one three-hour laboratory.

BIOL 2231 - Microbiology Lab

BIOL 3250 - Genetics

4 credit hours

Prerequisites: BIOL 1110/BIOL 1111 and BIOL 1120/BIOL 1121. Corequisite: BIOL 3251. An introductory course in genetics. Surveys and explores the sub-disciplines of genetics, including classical, molecular, and evolutionary genetics. Emphasis on the experiments, techniques, and theories forming the foundation of modern genetic research and its applications. Three hours lecture and one two-hour laboratory.

BIOL 3251 - Genetics Lab

PHYS 2010 - Non-Calculus-Based Physics I

0 credit hours

Prerequisite: MATH 1710 with a minimum grade of C (2.0) or MATH 1730 or MATH 1910. Required corequisite: PHYS 2011. Web-based discussion class to be taken in conjunction with cooperative-learning based problems lab PHYS 2011. Classical mechanics traditionally covered in a first-semester college physics course. Kinematics, forces, momentum, angular motion, calorimetry, and sound waves. Class time used for discussion of the Web-lecture material and for the administration of exams. TBR Common Course: PHYS 2010

PHYS 2020 - Non-Calculus-Based Physics II

0 credit hours

Prerequisite: PHYS 2011. Required corequisite: PHYS 2021. Web-based discussion class taken in conjunction with the cooperative-learning based problems lab PHYS 2021. Fundamentals of optics, modern physics, and electronics traditionally covered in a second-semester college physics course. Reflection and refraction, vision, diffraction effects, quantum mechanics, atomic and nuclear physics, and analog and digital electronics. Scheduled class time is used for discussions of the Web-lecture material and for the administration of exams. TBR Common Course: PHYS 2020

PHYS 2021 - Physics Problems Laboratory II

4 credit hours

Prerequisite: PHYS 2011. Required corequisite: PHYS 2020. Group-oriented problems course to be taken in conjunction with the Web-based discussion class PHYS 2020. Students work in groups with the topics presented in the PHYS 2020 discussion class. Optics, modern physics, and electronics traditionally covered in a second-semester college physics course. Reflection and refraction, vision, diffraction effects, quantum mechanics, atomic and nuclear physics, and analog and digital electronics. The skills associated with the development of experimental investigations including graphical analysis and estimation of uncertainties emphasized. Two two-and-one-half-hour laboratory sessions. TBR Common Course: PHYS 2021

Supporting Courses (19 hours)

MATH 1530 - Applied Statistics

3 credit hours

Prerequisites: Two years of high school algebra and a Math Enhanced ACT 19 or greater or equivalent. Descriptive statistics, probability, and statistical inference. The inference unit covers means, proportions, and variances for one and two samples, and topics from one-way ANOVA, regression and correlation analysis, chi-square analysis, and nonparametrics. TBR Common Course: MATH 1530

MATH 1730 - Pre-Calculus

4 credit hours

Prerequisite: MATH 1710 or successful completion of high school precalculus course. An integrated and rigorous study of the algebra and trigonometry needed to successfully attempt calculus. Emphasis on functions, their analysis and their applications. Level of algebraic sophistication developed above that found in MATH 1710. Topics include exponentials and logarithms, analysis of graphs, and word problems. Graphing calculator required. TBR Common Course: MATH 1730

MATH 1730 - Pre-Calculus

4 credit hours

Prerequisite: MATH 1710 or successful completion of high school precalculus course. An integrated and rigorous study of the algebra and trigonometry needed to successfully attempt calculus. Emphasis on functions, their analysis and their applications. Level of algebraic sophistication developed above that found in MATH 1710. Topics include exponentials and logarithms, analysis of graphs, and word problems. Graphing calculator required. TBR Common Course: MATH 1730

BIOL 1110 - General Biology I

4 credit hours

Prerequisite: MATH 1710 with C- or better of MATH ACT of 19 or higher. Corequisite: BIOL 1111. Primarily for Biology majors and minors and other science-oriented students. Biological principles and processes, including introduction to the nature of science, cells (structure, function, metabolism, division), genetics, evolution, viruses, bacteria, protists, and fungi. Three hours lecture and one three-hour laboratory. While BIOL 1110 can be used to fulfill half the 8-hour General Education requirement for Natural Sciences, it is the first semester of a two-semester sequence primarily designed for science majors. TBR Common Course: BIOL 1110

CHEM 1111 - General Chemistry I Lab

Subtotal: 15 Hours

Freshman Spring

COMM 2200 - Fundamentals of Communication

3 credit hours

Principles and processes of effective public oral communication including researching, critical thinking, organizing, presenting, listening, and using appropriate language. Counts as part of the General Education Communication requirement. TBR Common Course: COMM 2025

ENGL 1020 - Research and Argumentative Writing

3 credit hours

Prerequisite: ENGL 1010. The second General Education English course. Emphasis on analytic and argumentative writing and on locating, organizing, and using library resource materials in the writing. Minimum grade of C- required for credit.

CHEM 1121 - General Chemistry II Lab

Subtotal: 17 Hours

Sophomore Fall

BIOL 3250 - Genetics

4 credit hours

Prerequisites: BIOL 1110/BIOL 1111 and BIOL 1120/BIOL 1121. Corequisite: BIOL 3251. An introductory course in genetics. Surveys and explores the sub-disciplines of genetics, including classical, molecular, and evolutionary genetics. Emphasis on the experiments, techniques, and theories forming the foundation of modern genetic research and its applications. Three hours lecture and one two-hour laboratory.

PHYS 2010 - Non-Calculus-Based Physics I

0 credit hours

Prerequisite: MATH 1710 with a minimum grade of C (2.0) or MATH 1730 or MATH 1910. Required corequisite: PHYS 2011. Web-based discussion class to be taken in conjunction with cooperative-learning based problems lab PHYS 2011. Classical mechanics traditionally covered in a first-semester college physics course. Kinematics, forces, momentum, angular motion, calorimetry, and sound waves. Class time used for discussion of the Web-lecture material and for the administration of exams. TBR Common Course: PHYS 2010

Subtotal: 15 Hours

Sophomore Spring

BIOL 2230 - Microbiology

4 credit hours

Prerequisites: BIOL 1110/BIOL 1111 and BIOL 1120/BIOL 1121 or BIOL 2010/BIOL 2011 and BIOL 2020/BIOL 2021. Concepts and techniques pertaining to the morphology, physiology, reproduction, isolation, cultivation and identification of microorganisms with particular emphasis on bacteria. Topics include the impact of microorganisms in our daily lives, both adverse and beneficial. Background in General Chemistry is strongly recommended. Three hours lecture and one three-hour laboratory.

CHEM 3021 - Organic Chemistry II Lab

PHYS 2020 - Non-Calculus-Based Physics II

0 credit hours

Prerequisite: PHYS 2011. Required corequisite: PHYS 2021. Web-based discussion class taken in conjunction with the cooperative-learning based problems lab PHYS 2021. Fundamentals of optics, modern physics, and electronics traditionally covered in a second-semester college physics course. Reflection and refraction, vision, diffraction effects, quantum mechanics, atomic and nuclear physics, and analog and digital electronics. Scheduled class time is used for discussions of the Web-lecture material and for the administration of exams. TBR Common Course: PHYS 2020

PHYS 2021 - Physics Problems Laboratory II

4 credit hours

Prerequisite: PHYS 2011. Required corequisite: PHYS 2020. Group-oriented problems course to be taken in conjunction with the Web-based discussion class PHYS 2020. Students work in groups with the topics presented in the PHYS 2020 discussion class. Optics, modern physics, and electronics traditionally covered in a second-semester college physics course. Reflection and refraction, vision, diffraction effects, quantum mechanics, atomic and nuclear physics, and analog and digital electronics. The skills associated with the development of experimental investigations including graphical analysis and estimation of uncertainties emphasized. Two two-and-one-half-hour laboratory sessions. TBR Common Course: PHYS 2021

CHEM 3531 - Principles of Biochemistry Lab

HIST 2010 - Survey of United States History I

3 credit hours

Survey of the political, economic, social, cultural, and diplomatic phases of American life in its regional, national, and international aspects. HIST 2010 discusses the era from the beginning to 1877. HIST 2020 discusses the era from 1877 to the present. These courses are prerequisite for all advanced courses in American history and satisfy the General Education History requirement. HIST 2010 is NOT a prerequisite for HIST 2020. TBR Common Course: HIST 2010

HIST 2020 - Survey of United States History II

3 credit hours

Survey of the political, economic, social, cultural, and diplomatic phases of American life in its regional, national, and international aspects. HIST 2010 discusses the era from the beginning to 1877. HIST 2020 discusses the era from 1877 to the present. These courses are prerequisite for all advanced courses in American history and satisfy the General Education History requirement. HIST 2010 is NOT a prerequisite for HIST 2020. TBR Common Course: HIST 2020

MATH 1530 - Applied Statistics

3 credit hours

Prerequisites: Two years of high school algebra and a Math Enhanced ACT 19 or greater or equivalent. Descriptive statistics, probability, and statistical inference. The inference unit covers means, proportions, and variances for one and two samples, and topics from one-way ANOVA, regression and correlation analysis, chi-square analysis, and nonparametrics. TBR Common Course: MATH 1530

BIOL 4111 - General Physiology Lab

HIST 2010 - Survey of United States History I

3 credit hours

Survey of the political, economic, social, cultural, and diplomatic phases of American life in its regional, national, and international aspects. HIST 2010 discusses the era from the beginning to 1877. HIST 2020 discusses the era from 1877 to the present. These courses are prerequisite for all advanced courses in American history and satisfy the General Education History requirement. HIST 2010 is NOT a prerequisite for HIST 2020. TBR Common Course: HIST 2010

HIST 2020 - Survey of United States History II

3 credit hours

Survey of the political, economic, social, cultural, and diplomatic phases of American life in its regional, national, and international aspects. HIST 2010 discusses the era from the beginning to 1877. HIST 2020 discusses the era from 1877 to the present. These courses are prerequisite for all advanced courses in American history and satisfy the General Education History requirement. HIST 2010 is NOT a prerequisite for HIST 2020. TBR Common Course: HIST 2020

Senior Spring

Subtotal: 14 Hours

Biology

BIOL 1000 - Introduction to the Biology Major
1 credit hour

Required for all Biology majors. Development of skill sets essential for success in the Biology major. Topics include the understanding of departmental and university resources and expectations, development of personalized academic plans, and development of skills for professional interactions.

BIOL 1030 - Exploring Life
4 credit hours

Corequisite: BIOL 1031. Designed for non-majors. Offers understanding, experiences, and skills related to common biological issues. Includes class discussions, small group activities, lectures, selected readings, and laboratory investigations. Students earning an A in BIOL 1030/1031 and wishing to declare a major or minor in Biology may substitute BIOL 1030/BIOL 1031 for BIOL 1110/BIOL 1111 toward meeting the requirement for the major or minor. Three hours lecture and one two-hour laboratory.

BIOL 1031 - Exploring Life Lab
0 credit hours

Corequisite: BIOL 1030.

BIOL 1110 - General Biology I
4 credit hours

Prerequisite: MATH 1710 with C- or better of MATH ACT of 19 or higher. Corequisite: BIOL 1111. Primarily for Biology majors and minors and other science-oriented students. Biological principles and processes, including introduction to the nature of science, cells (structure, function, metabolism, division), genetics, evolution, viruses, bacteria, protists, and fungi. Three hours lecture and one three-hour laboratory. While BIOL 1110 can be used to fulfill half the 8-hour General Education requirement for Natural Sciences, it is the first semester of a two-semester sequence primarily designed for science majors. TBR Common Course: BIOL 1110

Corequisite: BIOL 2001. Open to anyone in medical and allied medical careers, but may not be taken as part of Biology major. Survey of medical lab careers, curricula, and affiliated laboratory programs; experience in medical laboratory testing procedures. One hour lecture and one two-hour laboratory.

Completion of BIOL 1030 and BIOL 1031 or a grade of C or better in high school chemistry and biology within the last five years is strongly recommended. Corequisite: BIOL 2011 . Meets requirements for many pre-health professional programs including nursing. Structure and function of the cell, integumentary, skeletal, muscle, and nervous systems. Three hours lecture and one three-hour laboratory.

BIOL 2011 - Human Anatomy and Physiology I Lab
0 credit hours

Corequisite: BIOL 2010.

BIOL 2020 - Human Anatomy and Physiology II
4 credit hours

Prerequisite: C or better in BIOL 2010/BIOL 2011. Corequisite: BIOL 2021. Meets requirements for many pre-health professional programs including nursing. Structure and function of endocrine, circulatory, respiratory, urinary, digestive, and reproductive systems. Biology majors passing both BIOL 2010/BIOL 2111 and BIOL 2020/BIOL 2021 with a C or better may substitute both courses for BIOL 3020. However, the substitution is not recommended for pre-med students and does not count for upper-division hours. Three hours lecture and one three-hour laboratory.

Prerequisite: BIOL 1110/BIOL 1111 or BIOL 2010/ BIOL 2011 with a grade of C or better. Corequisite: BIOL 2101. Fundamentals of the role of microorganisms responsible for disease in humans. Does not apply toward a major or minor in Biology. Two hours lecture and one two-hour laboratory.

BIOL 2101 - Microbiology in Disease Lab
0 credit hours

Corequisite: BIOL 2100.

BIOL 2230 - Microbiology
4 credit hours

Prerequisites: BIOL 1110/BIOL 1111 and BIOL 1120/BIOL 1121 or BIOL 2010/BIOL 2011 and BIOL 2020/BIOL 2021. Concepts and techniques pertaining to the morphology, physiology, reproduction, isolation, cultivation and identification of microorganisms with particular emphasis on bacteria. Topics include the impact of microorganisms in our daily lives, both adverse and beneficial. Background in General Chemistry is strongly recommended. Three hours lecture and one three-hour laboratory.

BIOL 2231 - Microbiology Lab
0 credit hours

Corequisite: BIOL 2230.

BIOL 3000 - Life Science for Elementary Teachers
4 credit hours

Prerequisites: 8 hours of science including BIOL 1030/BIOL 1031 or equivalent. A process-oriented approach to the study of life with emphasis on execution and analysis of activities and experiments suited to the elementary school classroom. Six hours lecture and laboratory. (May not be used for Biology majors or minors.)

BIOL 3010 - Embryology
4 credit hours

Prerequisite: BIOL 3250/BIOL 3251. Corequisite: BIOL 3011. Early development of the frog, chick, pig, and human. Living material, whole mounts, and serial sections are used for studying cleavage, germ layer formation, histogenesis, and organogenesis. Three hours lecture and one three-hour laboratory.

BIOL 3011 - Embryology Lab
0 credit hours

Corequisite: BIOL 3010.

BIOL 3020 - Comparative Anatomy of the Vertebrates
4 credit hours

Prerequisite: BIOL 3250/BIOL 3251. Corequisite: BIOL 3021. Vertebrate morphology and the development and function of systems and organs. Three hours lecture and one three-hour laboratory.

BIOL 3021 - Comparative Anatomy of the Vertebrates Lab
0 credit hours

Corequisite: BIOL 3020.

BIOL 3040 - Entomology
3 credit hours

Prerequisite: BIOL 3250/BIOL 3251. Morphology, classification, evolution, life histories, and economic importance of insects. Five hours of lecture and laboratory.

BIOL 3050 - Parasitology
3 credit hours

Prerequisite: BIOL 3250/BIOL 3251. Corequisite: BIOL 3051. Life histories, host-parasite relationships, and control measures of the more common parasites of humans and domesticated animals. Two hours lecture and one three-hour laboratory.

BIOL 3051 - Parasitology Lab
0 credit hours

Corequisite: BIOL 3050.

BIOL 3150 - Radiation Biology
3 credit hours

Prerequisites: PHYS 2010/PHYS 2011 and PHYS 2020/PHYS 2021. Types and properties of ionizing radiation, isotopes and tracer study techniques, and the biological effects of ionizing radiations on living things.

BIOL 3200 - Internship in Biology
2 to 4 credit hours

Prerequisites: BIOL 3250/BIOL 3251; permission of department. Practical experience for students in a professional setting.

Prerequisites: BIOL 1110/BIOL 1111 and BIOL 1120/BIOL 1121. Corequisite: BIOL 3251. An introductory course in genetics. Surveys and explores the sub-disciplines of genetics, including classical, molecular, and evolutionary genetics. Emphasis on the experiments, techniques, and theories forming the foundation of modern genetic research and its applications. Three hours lecture and one two-hour laboratory.

Prerequisites: BIOL 1110/BIOL 1111, BIOL 1120/BIOL 1121, and CHEM 1110/CHEM 1111. Corequisite: BIOL 3401. Basic concepts of the ecosystem and community aquatic and terrestrial habitats and population ecology; complemented by field and laboratory activities. Three hours lecture and one-three hour laboratory.

BIOL 3401 - General Ecology Lab
0 credit hours

Corequisite: BIOL 3400.

BIOL 3500 - Evolution
3 credit hours

Prerequisite: BIOL 3250/BIOL 3251. Evolutionary biology for majors. Topics include history of evolutionary thinking, mechanisms of evolution, basic quantitative and population genetics, life-history theory, evolution of sex, correlated responses to selection, speciation, macroevolution, molecular evolution, fossil record and geologic time scale, phylogenic inference, and the emergence of life. Three hours lecture.

BIOL 3890 - Biology Instruction Internship
1 credit hour

Prerequisites: BIOL 3250/BIOL 3251, successful completion of target courses, and permission of instructor. A course to refine thinking, communication, and interpersonal skills through exposure to on-the-spot technical questions and a laboratory teaching experience as an assistant in a biology laboratory. Credits will not count toward a major or minor in Biology. May be repeated for up to three credits.

Prerequisite: BIOL 3250/BIOL 3251. Corequisite: BIOL 4081. Emphasizes taxonomy, morphology, and culture of fungi and their importance to humans. Three hours lecture and one three-hour laboratory.

BIOL 4081 - Mycology Lab
0 credit hours

Corequisite: BIOL 4080.

BIOL 4090 - Forest Ecology
4 credit hours

Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in BIOL 3250/BIOL 3251, BIOL 3400, and BIOL 3500 or permission of instructor. Ecological form and function of forested systems with a particular emphasis on communities of the southeastern U.S. and Tennessee. Topics include dendrology, community assembly and disassembly over time, abiotic and biotic drivers of forest community succession, phylogeography and biogeography, and threats and sustainable practices. Three hours lecture and one three-hour laboratory.

Prerequisites: BIOL 2230/BIOL 2231, BIOL 3250/BIOL 3251, BIOL 3400/BIOL 3401, and BIOL 3500. Readings and discussions from scientific literature on a particular theme that will incorporate topics in cellular biology, energetics, genetics, molecular and organismal biology, evolution, and ecology, Majors advised to take this course during the semester of graduation.

Prerequisite: BIOL 3250/BIOL 3251. Identification of local plants and animals and a consideration of the ecological principles governing them. Four hours lecture/laboratory.

BIOL 4270 - Transmitting Electron Microscopy
4 credit hours

Prerequisite: Permission of department. Tissue fixation, dehydration, embedding, and thin sectioning for examination and development of micrographs using a Zeiss electron microscope. Seven hours lecture/laboratory.

BIOL 4280 - Undergraduate Research in Biology
1 to 4 credit hours

Prerequisite: Permission of department. Selection, design, and conduction of projects typically allied with an instructor's research program. May be repeated for a total of twelve credits. Only four credits may count toward the Biology major.

BIOL 4290 - Scanning Electron Microscopy
4 credit hours

Prerequisite: Permission of department. Preparation of biological and non-biological materials for examination and development of micrographs using an ISI electron microscope. Seven hours lecture/laboratory.

Prerequisites: BIOL 1110/BIOL 1111 and BIOL 1120/BIOL 1121; permission of department; and junior or senior standing. An intensive classroom and on-site study of a specific biome. Special emphasis on data collection and analysis. Consult the department chair for specific credits and costs.

Prerequisites: BIOL 1110/BIOL 1111, BIOL 1120/BIOL 1121, and BIOL 3250/BIOL 3251 (or permission of department). Major themes in the ecology and evolution of plants. Topics include how plants sense, respond, and adapt to their environment, life history, species, and patterns of diversity and abundance of plants. Three hours lecture and one three-hour laboratory.

BIOL 4430 - Diagnostic Microbiology
4 credit hours

Prerequisites: BIOL 2230/BIOL 2231 and BIOL 3250/BIOL 3251. Microorganisms that cause disease in humans and other animals, their isolation and identification, mechanisms of disease causation, and methods of control. Six hours lecture/laboratory.

Prerequisites: Junior standing or above and permission of department. An intensive classroom and field study of natural science and resources in Tennessee. Special emphasis on data collection, analysis, and problem solving. Target groups are upper-division students in biology and education. Consult the department chair for specific credits and costs. THIS COURSE DOES NOT APPLY TO THE BIOLOGY MAJOR OR MINOR.

BIOL 4550 - Biotechnology
3 credit hours

Prerequisites:BIOL 2230/BIOL 2231 and BIOL 3250/BIOL 3251. Instruction in both theory and application of current research methodologies in biology and molecular biology. Topics include immunochemistry, polymerase chain reaction, restriction enzyme analysis, and electrophoresis. Five hours lecture/laboratory.

BIOL 4560 - Neurobiology
4 credit hours

Prerequisite: BIOL 3250/BIOL 3251. Corequisite: BIOL 4561. Introduces comparative neurobiology. Topics include the basic structure and function of the nerve cell and organization of nervous systems of representative species of invertebrate and vertebrate animals. Three hours lecture and one three-hour laboratory.

Prerequisite: BIOL 3250/BIOL 3251; BIOL 4210 recommended. Corequisite: BIOL 4721. Processes and underlying molecular mechanisms by which a single fertilized egg develops into an adult organism, focusing on vertebrate development, but including insights gained from other model organisms. Three hours lecture and two hours lab.

(Same as ABAS/CHEM/GEOL/PHYS/MATH 4740.) Prerequisites: YOED 3520 and BIOL 3250/BIOL 3251. Provides secondary science and mathematics teacher candidates with the tools that scientists use to solve scientific problems. Students will use these tools in a laboratory setting, communicate findings, and understand how scientists develop new knowledge.

BIOL 4750 - Plant Biotechnology
4 credit hours

Prerequisite: BIOL 3250/BIOL 3251. Processes and reasoning behind the human manipulation of plant species for agricultural and technological purposes. Topics include traditional breeding techniques, tissue culture, plant cell transformation, and general plant molecular biology techniques as well as current debate over genetically modified organisms. Six hours lecture/laboratory.

BIOL 4760 - Introduction to Bioinformatics
3 credit hours

Prerequisites: BIOL 3250/BIOL 3251 and CSCI 1170 or consent of instructor. Application of computer science to biological questions. Specifically applies to the computational aspects of data gathering, processing, storage, analysis, and visualization methods for use in revising and testing biological hypotheses. Students should have a strong background in either computer science or biology, be willing to learn about the other field in an accelerated fashion, and be willing to work cooperatively as part of an interdisciplinary team. Four hours of lecture/problem-solving per week.